I have been seeing a lot of posts about people asking about used sleds, and a lot of responses informing the person to check the track, skid, bearings, clutches, compression, etc... Although I am not currently looking for a used sled, it would be interesting to know different methods of how to check these things without taking them apart, other than a simple visual inspection.

So, lets say you go to look at a used sled. What tools do you take, and how do you inspect the sled?

In particular, how would you inspect the following, and what danger signs would you look for that might cause you to shy away?

Engine
Carbs/EFI
Clutches
Bearings
Skid
Chassis

Without getting into a huge post of the specifics to look for, my best advise is for you to take someone in the know about sleds. To the untrained eye lots of stuff can slip by. Besides they won't be lookin with stars in their eyes like a buyer would be.

Rick.

Engine-compression tester,listen when running for knocks and such,if engine bay is clean no leaking oil/gaskets

Carbs/EFI-dunno,it is not like the guy will let you take them apart :wink:

Clutches-check to see if dirty and cracks and worn parts,rattling when running

Bearings-spin the idlers if the spin freely-the jack shaft and drive bearing can't really be check when looking

Skid-bearings/missing idlers rubbers,bolts and check cracks at stress points,shocks

Chassis-check engine bay for possible stress cracks and if the sled was beating.I have seen sleds that were beating to death and only have 1500kms and also seen sleds that were mint at 15,000kms

hope this helps a bit :lookaround: :thumbsup:

What freezer said, plus take a close look at the track (tears, cracks etc.). Also look at the front end (sagging springs, straight A arms or trailing arms, and everything is straight).

I always took a friend, we would check compression, visually check the suspension, and engine compartment looking for signs of abuse. Check the track, look the clutches over, also look for the obvious. I once was looking at a sled at an auction and noticed that there was 2 dual spark plug holders down below the clutches as well as the one on the belt holder 8 SPARK PLUGS???? I pulled the plugs out and they were black as could be,,,,,
never know what you may find

oh yeah, the friend,,,,we would lift the back in the air and see that the track spins freely,,,,,brakes work,,,,,etc,,,,,